The Page 2 NFC training camp preview
On Monday, we gave you our AFC training camp preview.
Today it's the NFC's turn.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Camp To-Do: Get Adam Jones reinstated
The Cowboys must unleash a full-scale PR onslaught to get their biggest offseason acquisition, one of the most talented players in the league, reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell. But if Jones slips back into the ne'er-do-well life, at least it will be captured in all its gritty reality by HBO's "Hard Knocks" cameras.
New York Giants
Camp To-Do: Stay focused
Don't forget that going into Week 17 last season, the Giants were viewed as a competitive but flawed team with a quarterback who looked to be securing a reputation as a bust. Obviously, that all changed and the Giants went on to win an ESPY -- three of them, to be exact. But this team needs to stay focused. Winning back-to-back ESPYs is harder than winning just one.
Philadelphia Eagles
Camp To-Do: Resolve the cornerback situation
With Asante Samuel in town, the Eagles must decide which of last year's starting corners -- Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown -- gets to keep his job. Ooh! Ooh! Cornerback controversy! Cornerback controversy! This should really burn up the phone lines on local sports talk radio.
Washington Redskins
Camp To-Do: Utilize Jason Taylor's abilities
The Redskins acquired a legitimate star. Now they have to quickly find ways to capitalize on his strengths -- footwork, strength, spins -- while covering up his weaknesses: tempo, hip action, the waltz.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Camp To-Do: Settle on a starting quarterback
And I mean "settle" in the worst definition of the word: "to accept one of two less-than-ideal options." Or used in a sentence: "Seriously?! We have to settle for Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton again? You have to be #%^&ing kidding me. Is management even trying anymore?"
Detroit Lions
Camp To-Do: Find a starting running back
The candidates for the job are Tatum Bell, Brian Calhoun, Aveion Cason, Artose Pinner and Kevin Smith. Not exactly a ton of great options. Maybe Matt Millen has a hunch Barry Sanders is finally going to make his long-awaited return.
Green Bay Packers
Camp To-Do: Fortify the defensive line
Yes, the Packers need some help up front. But I actually mean that they need to fortify the defense of their training facility. No doubt very soon Brett Favre and his thousands of gunslinging supporters will attempt to storm the camp with an onslaught of lawn mowers and Labrador retrievers. The Packers must be ready.
Minnesota Vikings
Camp To-Do: Develop Tarvaris Jackson
Jackson has a knack for making exciting plays out of nothing. But he also tends to make poor decisions and throw interceptions at the most inopportune times. Clearly, then, he will be a suitable Plan B at quarterback if the Vikings are unable to acquire Brett Favre.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Camp To-Do: Gauge Matt Ryan's readiness
Even if Ryan performs well in camp, conventional wisdom is that he won't be named the starter because the Falcons will be loathe to watch him get beaten to a pulp behind Atlanta's patchwork offensive line. Chris Redman, though? Forget that guy! He deserves to get pummeled for not being a young, rich, franchise quarterback.
Carolina Panthers
Camp To-Do: Establish the running game
The Panthers added three free-agent offensive linemen weighing 325 pounds or better to bulk up the line and develop a power running game. Whether that approach will work has yet to be seen. Also yet to be seen? The linemen's feet.
New Orleans Saints
Camp To-Do: Establish Jeremy Shockey in the offense
Teaching Shockey the offense shouldn't be too hard. For example, if a play is called something like Trips Right 984 H-Fly, all the Saints have to do is change the name of the play to Trips Right 984 H-Fly, Brah and they'll be speaking their new tight end's language. Barring that, tattooing the entire playbook on his forearms may be necessary.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Camp To-Do: Find another go-to receiver
Joey Galloway is 36. Ike Hilliard is 33. The Buccaneers need a younger receiver to step up. They think Michael Clayton can do it, but I have my doubts. I recently watched a DVD of "Michael Clayton," and while there were some strong performances, I thought it was too slow.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Camp To-Do: Develop Matt Leinart
Although Kurt Warner far outplayed Leinart last season, coach Ken Whisenhunt says the former USC star is his starter. And few question Leinart's ability. They question his maturity. And rightfully so. I mean, really, Matt -- beer bongs? Really? Come on. Grow up. Do wine bongs.
St. Louis Rams
Camp To-Do: Stay healthy
A slew of injuries last year led to a disastrous 3-13 season with few highlights. In fact, here is the entirety of the 2007 Rams highlights DVD.
San Francisco 49ers
Camp To-Do: Learn Mike Martz's offense
Preferably the one he ran for a few years with the Rams. Not the one he had in Detroit.
Seattle Seahawks
Camp To-Do: Re-establish the running game
With the Shaun Alexander era mercifully over in Seattle -- finally! -- the Seahawks turn to Julius Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. Hmm … Julius Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. You know what? I wonder if former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is available. He just might have something left.
DJ Gallo is the founder and sole writer of the sports satire site SportsPickle.com. He also is a regular contributor to ESPN The Magazine and has written for The Onion and Cracked. His first book, "SportsPickle Presents: The View from the Upper Deck," is on sale now.
